The Federal Government has called on Nigerian media organisations to give more attention to stories highlighting the country’s achievements and promoting national unity, while maintaining their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday at the inauguration of the Media Trust Group’s artificial intelligence-powered converged newsroom in Abuja.

Idris said journalism should not be limited to exposing failures and reporting negative developments, adding that stories capable of inspiring hope and encouraging young Nigerians should also receive prominent coverage.

He maintained that constructive reporting was not incompatible with the media’s watchdog role, stressing that journalists could scrutinise government activities while highlighting progress and achievements.

The minister described the launch of the new facility as an important development in the growth of Media Trust Limited, which publishes Daily Trust and Aminiya and operates Trust TV, Trust Radio and digital media platforms.

He congratulated the organisation’s management and staff on the investment, noting that the integration of its various platforms into a single newsroom would improve the delivery of news across print, broadcast and digital channels.

Idris urged the company to use the facility to strengthen investigative reporting, encourage innovation and promote responsible journalism that informs public debate and reflects developments across the country.

He also stressed the need for rigorous fact-checking, warning that the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate content and manipulate images and videos had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic information from false material.

Addressing preparations for the 2027 general elections, the minister said the quality and credibility of information available to voters would be crucial to the integrity of the electoral process.

He called on journalists to ensure fairness, accuracy and transparency in their election coverage, cautioning against sensational reports and allegations unsupported by evidence. He also urged media professionals to clearly distinguish factual reporting from opinion and fabricated content.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, describing the media as a vital partner in strengthening democracy and advancing national development.

In his remarks, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, praised Media Trust Group for its contributions to the country and its role in providing employment for Nigerians.

Namadi urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and use their platforms to foster unity among citizens.

The Chairman of the Media Trust Group’s Board of Trustees, Kabiru Yusuf, said the organisation began operations in Kaduna State in 1998 and had since expanded from its print journalism roots into a multimedia business.

Yusuf called on journalists to treat all individuals fairly, including those with whom they disagreed, and acknowledged that although the organisation had its shortcomings, it remained committed to professional journalism standards.